Washington: The United States has said it will enforce a blockade on Iranian ports for “as long as it takes,” with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning of renewed military strikes if Tehran refuses to reach an agreement.

“If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy,” Hegseth said during a press conference at the Pentagon.

He also stated that US forces began blocking Iranian ports at 1400 GMT on Monday, following peace talks in Pakistan that ended without an agreement the previous day.

Naval blockade enforced on all shipping

General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking US military officer, said the blockade applies broadly to all vessels.

“It applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports,” Caine said alongside Hegseth.

He further warned that non-compliance would lead to force being used.

“If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force,” he added.

Caine also claimed that 13 ships had already turned back in response to the restrictions.

Claims of Iranian military activity

Hegseth alleged that Iranian forces are attempting to recover equipment buried during more than five weeks of US-Israeli strikes on the country.

Addressing Iranian leadership directly, he said: “We know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to. While you are digging out -- which is exactly what you're doing, digging out of bombed out and devastated facilities -- we are only getting stronger.”

He further added: “You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them -- you have no defence industry, no ability to replenish your offensive or defensive capabilities.”

US military says it is adjusting strategy

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command responsible for American forces in the Middle East, said Washington is using the ceasefire period to strengthen and adjust its military approach.

“We're rearming, we're retooling, and we're adjusting our tactics, techniques and procedures. There's no military in the world that adjusts like we do, and that's exactly what we're doing right now during the ceasefire,” Cooper said.

With agency inputs